The 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment (Airborne)—known as 1-40 CAV—is an airborne cavalry squadron of the 11th Airborne Division based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Its lineage combines World War II armored service with a modern airborne reconnaissance mission in Alaska.
Origins and Lineage
The lineage of the 40th Cavalry Regiment reflects the consolidation of several armored antecedents. During World War II, the 40th Tank Battalion entered combat in northern France in August 1944 and earned campaign credit for Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe. A separate antecedent, the 709th Tank Battalion, earned additional World War II campaign credit including Normandy. These lineages were later consolidated in the modern regiment.
After a series of postwar redesignations, the regiment was redesignated the 40th Cavalry Regiment in 2005, and the 1st Squadron (Airborne) was activated in Alaska to serve as the reconnaissance squadron for the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division.
Iraq and Afghanistan
1-40 CAV deployed to Iraq in 2006–2007 and later to Afghanistan in 2009–2010 and 2011–2012, earning unit recognition for its service during those deployments.
Modern Role and the 11th Airborne Division
On 6 June 2022, the Army reactivated the 11th Airborne Division in Alaska. The former 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division was reflagged as the division’s 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), and 1-40 CAV remained its airborne reconnaissance squadron.
Today, 1-40 CAV (Airborne) trains for airborne reconnaissance, security, and Arctic operations as part of the 11th Airborne Division.
Honors and Heritage
- World War II lineage: Combined campaign credit from the regiment’s armored antecedents, including Normandy through Central Europe.
- Modern service: Iraq and Afghanistan deployments with the Alaska-based airborne brigade.
- Current role: Airborne cavalry reconnaissance in support of the 11th Airborne Division’s Arctic mission.
Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment (Airborne).